The Robbie Griffiths and Mathew de Kock stable have Victoria Derby aspirations with Transzam and a part of that process involves a start at Flemington.
The Byerley Handicap (1800m) on Saturday is the race that Griffiths and de Kock have earmarked for the son of Pierro ahead of a spring campaign.
Griffiths and de Kock took out the Byerley Handicap last year with Gonnadancealot who was then set for the VRC Oaks, but her campaign was ruined by two below par performances on wet tracks.
Transzam, according to Griffiths, is a stronger version than Gonnadancealot and the co-trainer said the Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington in late October was the sole focus for the two-year-old.
A maiden after three starts, Transzam finished third over 1600m on a heavy track at Bendigo before an unlucky fifth in the Listed Gibson Carmichael Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on July 2.
“This is his grand final for the campaign,” Griffiths said.
“It’s a qualifying race for the Victoria Derby, so if he can win this it will take some of the pressure off getting him a start.
“He should have run third last start as he got caught up in traffic before hitting the line well.”
Griffiths said the plan was to give Transzam a break following Saturday’s race, win, lose or draw, while a campaign towards the Derby was yet to be finalised.
He said Tranzsam’s race program would work back from the Derby.
“Whether that program takes in the Vase on Cox Plate Day, the Caulfield Classic or even the Geelong Classic, we’ll work out,” Griffiths said.
“Having had a winter prep and being a Pierro, he may only need three runs into the Derby.
“He may not have the class to win over less than 10 furlongs, but over the extended trip he looks to be a strong stayer.
“That’s why we’ll work back from the Derby to map his program.”
